Unemployment Offices Under Water

February 5, 200912:24 PM ET

Caitlin Kenney

The Washington Post reports that area unemployment offices are having a hard time keeping up with the growing the number of claims. According to the Post, unemployment insurance claims increased nearly 84 percent statewide from December 2007 to December 2008.

"We know what this means for people. They are out here waiting for their money," said Joseph P. Walsh, acting director of the District's Employment Services Department. "But when you have the kind of unprecedented increases in unemployment insurance claims, your compliance numbers will turn on a dime."

The Washington area isn't the only place having problems. Both Seattle and Michigan recently expanded the hours of their unemployment call centers to meet increased demand. Have you had a problem filing for unemployment lately? Hit the comments please.

Imagine you could call up a friend and say, "Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy." Now imagine that's actually a fun evening. That's what we're going for at Planet Money. Want to know more? Check out our "about" page. Want to connect with the Planet Money team? Send us an email.